From "Corporate America" to Entrepreneur!
I got started about 20 years ago making jewelry. Prior to that, I worked in "Corporate America" in the 90's and realized it just wasn't for me. I did not like that I had to follow their rules, many which I didn't believe in. I realized that I am a creative person and there was no room for creativity or thinking outside the box in "Corporate America". They want you to do things their way only. I was always a fashionable person and loved jewelry. I would always receive compliments on the way I dressed and especially on my jewelry.
A light went off inside of me and I decided to start making jewelry in the late 90's. I would make pieces and carry them around with me and pull them out of my bag and show them to people. I would be just about anywhere; a restaurant, the gym, a friend's house and I would receive very positive responses and feedback. In fact, they would offer to buy my pieces right then and there. I then knew that I had a jewelry business that I could get behind and make it thrive. I started selling my jewelry at the farmer's markets and then I had kiosks in a couple of malls. I then grew to a full on Brick and Mortar store.
Later, the recession happened and I had to close my store. I went back to the farmer's markets and started selling on Etsy. It is the best decision I ever made.
Zina
